WE LIVE IN A DIFFICULT WORLD, BUT CARED FOR BY A LOVING GOD
Psalm 69:16
16 Answer
me, O LORD, for your steadfast love is good;
according
to your abundant mercy, turn to me.
As David goes to God there no spirit of demand, he knows
that God’s dealing with him is always good. God has shown His love and His
mercy over and over. God’s love is so wonderful because it is based on His
faithfulness. His love is eternally perfect. He chose to love us when we were
His enemies; He knew exactly how much it would cost Him and how unfaithful we
would be.
His mercy is abundant! He has shown us mercy from the
beginning and will continue to prove Himself merciful; we will never exhaust
His provision.
At times it is useful
to reflect on the kinds of behaviors that expose an attitude of demand.
When we complain, when we are bitter, and when we are angry,
in reality we are saying that we deserve something different from what we have
received, that in some ways we are being treated unjustly.
David had looked at men for reprieve and had found none. His
concern at this point is that God’s reputation would be honored. All men knew
that he was dependent on God and that his life brought attention to his God.
David’s pain is real and he is looking for a solution.
Psalm 69:29
29 But
I am afflicted and in pain;
let
your salvation, O God, set me on high!
Pain is real! People know how to wound our hearts and souls.
This world is so full of sin and hatred that it is impossible to live here
without suffering. We should not be surprised.
Some people with unbiblical thinking have equated God’s
blessing with a life without any problems. Biblically, however, a blessed life
is one lived with faith in God’s eternal purposes, in the midst of temporary
trials. All of our difficulties and trials will certainly end when we meet our
Savior face to face.
Psalm 69:30-33
30 I
will praise the name of God with a song;
I
will magnify him with thanksgiving.
31 This
will please the LORD more than an ox
or
a bull with horns and hoofs.
32 When
the humble see it they will be glad;
you
who seek God, let your hearts revive.
33 For
the LORD hears the needy
and
does not despise his own people who are prisoners.
God is not looking for rituals, but He desires the sincere
praise of those who recognize who He is and are satisfied with His provision.
Thankfulness is the result of a heart that recognizes the hand of God. When one
knows the character of God and has experienced His love, then He will truly be
grateful.
The praise of God’s children will be an encouragement for
those who observe it.
Dear friend, have you stopped to reflect on how your
attitude and demeanor affects those who observe you? We should be more aware of
what people are learning about God by watching our lives.
Is our God worthy to be praised?
Is our God wise in what He does?
Is our God really in control?
Is our God showing mercy to us?
Does our God have eternal purposes that we care about?
Is God protecting us?
Is God providing what we need?
These questions are clearly answered in all the
conversations we have, in the attitudes we portray, in our responses…
If the Word of God is not feeding us, then we will not be
able to respond correctly to the difficulties and pains of this world. If we
are not in the fellowship of godly men and women, it will be difficult to stay
correctly focused.
Psalm 69:34
34 Let
heaven and earth praise him,
the
seas and everything that moves in them.
May we faithfully please and praise our God!
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